Non-GMO, open pollinated, annual. 110 Days to maturity.
Planting Instructions:
in warm areas the heat-loving Amaranth can be direct sown after all danger of frost has passed. It may also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Sow in good seed-starting medium, approximately 1/8" deep. Space plants 18" apart.
Care
Amaranth needs good light, ventilation, and even moisture. Amaranth likes well drained soil in full sunlight and should be sown when soil temperatures reach at least 60 degrees. Typically it enjoys higher elevations, but can be grown in lower elevations with proper soil. I'm growing it successfully in the low desert of Arizona. 3-10 days to germination.
History
Amaranth gets its name from a Greek word that means “the never-fading” or “one that does not wither.” I'd say that's completely appropriates as it's the most beautiful plant I've ever grown in my garden. It has a dramatic history as well. First cultivated 6,000 -8,000 years ago in South and Central America is was a staple food for civilizations such as the Aztecs. It was also used in their worship ceremonies, which didn't sit well with the Spanish when they arrived and tried to force Christianity on the population. The Spanish burned the fields of amaranth, punished any who cultivated it and outlawed its use. However, it survived in remote areas
Amaranth has quite a dramatic history. It was first cultivated about 6,000-8,000 years ago in South and Central America. It was a staple food for many pre-Columbian civilizations, such as the Aztecs.
When the Spanish arrived with Cortez, as part of their efforts to force Christianity on the pagan natives, they outlawed the grain. Amaranth fields were burned and cultivators were punished. Lucky for us, they were unable to completely destroy the grain. In a few remote areas, small amounts of amaranth survived. It was introduced to the United States in the 1970's and has since become a billion dollar industry.
Just a note: This stunning annual has purplish, burgundy leave that simply glow with a vivid intensity you won't find anywhere else. Next year I plan to grow this in several places and seriously, I'd like an entire field of it just to see the beauty in the sunshine. Pictures don't do it justice. It can grow 4-6 ft tall so the back of borders is a great spot.
All photos by Susan R. Stoltz and taken in her garden.
